System and Method for Wirelessly Transmitting Operational Data From an Endoscope to a Remote Device

ABSTRACT

A system for wirelessly transmitting data from an endoscope, comprising an endoscope having a control body, an insertion tube extending from the control body, the distal end of the insertion tube containing an image sensor and a light source, and a control head connected to the control body, which comprises a battery; a light source amplifier connected to the battery, the light source amplifier operable to boost the intensity of the light source; a video processor configured to create compressed video data from a video stream captured via the image sensor; and a wireless communication module configured to negotiate a wireless connection with a mobile device, wherein the wireless communication module is further configured to transmit the compressed video data to the mobile device over the wireless connection, and wherein the wireless communication module comprises a channel discriminator configured to automatically avoid RF interference.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This disclosure is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/508,265,filed Oct. 7, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/998,690, filed Jul. 7, 2014.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates in general to the field of medical devices, andmore particularly to a system and method for wirelessly transmittingoperational data from an endoscope to a remote device.

Doctors and veterinarians rely on a bevy of medical imagingtechnologies, including x-rays, x-ray fluoroscopy, magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI), and CT/PET scans to obtain different views of a patient'ssymptoms and anatomy. However, for some conditions, it may beadvantageous or necessary to gather real-time operational data frominside the body by relying on a device known as an endoscope.

Endoscopes can be used in a variety of medical procedures. For example,an endoscope may be used to investigate symptoms in the digestive systemby searching for the source of abdominal pain or gastrointestinalbleeding. Endoscopes may also be used to confirm a diagnosis, mostcommonly by performing a biopsy to check for inflammation and cancers ofthe digestive system. Additionally, treatments may be administered viaan endoscope, such as cauterization of a bleeding vessel, widening anarrow esophagus, clipping off a polyp, or removing a foreign object.

During an endoscopy procedure or examination, an endoscope tube isinserted into a body cavity, such as: the stomach, duodenum, smallintestine or large intestine. The insertion tube contains an opticaldevice and a light source that allows the examiner to view the inside ofthe body cavity via an eyepiece or wired monitor.

2. Description of Related Art

FIG. 1 shows an example of a complete endoscopy system, indicatedgenerally at 100, as it is used in most cases today. The endoscopedescribed above would typically be supported by a wired monitor 108,wired light source, wired video processor 116, wired recorder, and awired printer 112. The typical dimension for this complete tower isthree feet in width by 6 feet in height. The light source and videoprocessor 116 are hard-wired to the endoscope via a cable 118 thatcontains one entry point at one end that connects to the endoscope 102and a dual entry point (not depicted) at the other end that allowsconnection to the video processor 116 and light source.

In the case where a wired monitor is used, the configuration illustratedin FIG. 1 is undoubtedly required. Such a configuration limits the usageof the endoscope to procedures conducted in the examiner's office due tothe size and weight of the supporting equipment. Mobility is extremelylimited due to its bulky nature. In most cases, the physical presence ofthe complete system 100 with its bulky componentry and cabling forcesthe owner to commit significant office area for usage and storage.

In configurations where an eyepiece is used, the position of theeyepiece requires the examiner to stand in close proximity of thepatient. Additionally, this option, by itself, does not provide thecapability to capture images and video, nor does it allow for printingor the possibility of other integrated functionality. Use with aneyepiece can also present unique challenges for veterinarians, who muststand in close proximity to an animal patient, which may become spookedduring the operation.

FIG. 2 illustrates a portable wired videoscope, indicated generally at200, which attempts to alleviate these shortcomings, among others, byreplacing the eyepiece equipped endoscope with a display unit 208 wired204 to the endoscope 202 stabilized by a grip 206. The display unit 208interprets the signal from the endoscope camera (not shown), which iscarried via a special-purpose, wired electronic interface 204. Theendoscope body 202 conducts the camera lead wires and the light guidefrom the distal end of the insertion tube to the wired display unit 208.Any signal processing is conducted solely within the display unit 208.Such an encapsulated approach leads to expensive proprietary solutionsthat handcuff the display technology to the signal processing unit andpreclude the substitution of other general purpose displays such as asmart device or tablet. Additionally, the videoscope 200 would stillhave to be wired to an external light source.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a system andmethod for wirelessly transmitting operational data from an endoscope toa remote device is provided which substantially eliminates or reducesdisadvantages associated with previous systems and methods.

In accordance with one embodiment, a system is provided for wirelesslytransmitting data from an endoscope, comprising an endoscope having acontrol body, an insertion tube extending from the control body andhousing an image sensor and a light source in its distal end, and acontrol head connected to the control body, which comprises a battery, alight source amplifier connected to the battery, the light sourceamplifier, a video processor configured to create compressed video datafrom a video stream captured via the image sensor, and a wirelesscommunication module configured to negotiate a wireless connection witha mobile device, wherein the wireless communication module is furtherconfigured to transmit the compressed video data to the mobile deviceover the wireless connection, and wherein the wireless communicationmodule comprises a channel discriminator configured to automaticallyavoid RF interference. In particular embodiments, the present inventionfurther includes a wireless communication module configured to negotiatea second wireless connection with a second mobile device and tosimultaneously transmit the compressed video data to the second mobiledevice over the second wireless connection.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method is provided for sharingdata on a mobile device wirelessly connected to an endoscope, comprisingthe steps of: establishing a wireless connection from a first device toa wireless endoscope, receiving video data on the first device from thewireless endoscope over the wireless connection, creating a symbol onthe first device based on the video data received from the wirelessendoscope, and transmitting the symbol to a second device connected tothe wireless endoscope, the symbol to be displayed on the second devicealongside the video data.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, a system is provided fortransporting and charging the system of claim 1, comprising: a forcedamping system nested within a rigid outer shell, a cavity within theforce damping system suitable to receive a stowed device, a charginginterface, a transformer connected to the charging interface, a powermanagement controller configured to manage charging of the stoweddevice, a power cord connected to the transformer, and a battery levelindicator configured to monitor power status notifications from thestowed device. In particular embodiments, the present invention furtherincludes charging coils operable to charge the stowed device usingwireless induction.

One advantage of the present invention is its adaptability. For example,wireless transmission of operational data allows an examiner to monitoran ongoing operation using the examiner's personal device, such as: asmart phone, a tablet, a head-mounted display, or a monitor.

Remote monitoring of an endoscopy procedure provides yet anotheradvantage of the many embodiments by enabling classrooms or seminars toparticipate in a live operation. This opens up new possibilities whereonly a passive review of prerecorded operations was previously possible.Clinical studies may be expanded beyond centralized operationalfacilities to remote sites, such as a battlefield, emergency clinic, oreven a barn. When coupled with the operational data sharing methoddiscussed in detail below, the remote networking capabilities enable newand useful telemedicine applications. For example, an experiencedphysician could oversee multiple concurrent off-site operationsconducted by junior physicians, and provide operational feedback throughhis monitoring device.

Another advantage of the present invention is its portability. For humanpatients, endoscopy procedures are performed in centralized facilities,such as a hospital or clinic, where the equipment may be stored andoperated. It is reasonable to expect a patient to travel to and from thefacility to have the operation performed. However, for veterinariansperforming similar operations, it is not cost effective to transport alarge animal, such as a horse or a cow, to a clinic or animal hospital.This is especially true for large marine animals, such as a whale ordolphin. Accordingly, the relatively small footprint of the manyembodiments enables veterinarians to travel off-site to performendoscopy operations. Furthermore, it enables veterinarians to schedulethe examination of multiple animals at the same site, or schedulemultiple operations in the same day and travel from site to site.

In order to achieve the main objective, the present invention isdirected to the satisfaction of the capabilities required from aconventional endoscope comprising a main body, an insertion tube, valvesconnected to guide channels to support air, water, and therapeuticinstruments, therapeutic instrument insertion port, and angulation knobsand componentry; all of which comprise an existing FDA approved medicaldevice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and itsadvantages, reference is now made to the following description and theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional video endoscope tethered to amonitoring station;

FIG. 2 illustrates a portable video endoscope wired to a speciallydesigned monitoring device;

FIG. 3 illustrates a veterinary endoscopy examination using a wirelessendoscope connected to a mobile device;

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a wireless endoscope featuringa flexible insertion tube in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 4B illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the distal end of aflexible insertion tube;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a wireless endoscope with a rigidinsertion tube;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cutaway view of a flexible insertion tube;

FIG. 7 illustrates a detachable wireless endoscope control headconnected to an endoscope control body via an interface in accordancewith one embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view showing a fully-encapsulatedwireless endoscope control unit in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cutaway view of a wireless endoscope control headin perspective for use in a fully-encapsulated wireless endoscopecontrol unit;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an image sensor circuit inaccordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the wireless module of a controlcircuit for a wireless endoscope in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 12 illustrates a system for transmitting operational data from anendoscopy procedure to a plurality of devices in accordance with oneembodiment;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating the control logic for a wirelessendoscope in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a carrying case, in opened andclosed configurations, for stowing and charging a wireless endoscopysystem;

FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C show several views illustrating the wirelesstransmission of operational data to a variety of devices;

FIG. 16 is a data flow diagram illustrating a method of sharingoperational data sharing across multiple devices;

FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram illustrating a method of sharingoperational data across multiple devices; and

FIGS. 18A and 18B show several views illustrating an optical system inaccordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed below.

FIG. 3 illustrates a respiratory endoscopy examination being performedon a horse, indicated generally at 300, using a wireless endoscope 308connected to a mobile device 304 in accordance with one embodiment. AsFIG. 3 demonstrates, wireless endoscopy is particularly useful inapplications where a patient is not fully sedated or restrained. Duringan operation, the insertion tube 306 of the wireless endoscope 308 isintroduced into the horse's 310 respiratory system via its nostril.Attendant 312 stabilizes the horse 310 and guides the insertion tube 306during the operation. The veterinarian 314 observes the operation on thedisplay 304, which may be supported by a tripod or stand, whilecontrolling the endoscope 308.

If a veterinary patient, such as a horse, becomes spooked during anoperation, the absence of wires can reduce trauma to the animal, whichhas less equipment attached to it, as well as minimize harm to attendingpersons and equipment. Likewise, a wireless operating environmenteliminates tripping hazards, which can be a common source of physicianinjury during operations. Such injuries are especially commonplaceduring laparoscopic inseminations of game animals, which are oftenconducted on multiple animals simultaneously with wires crisscrossingthe floor of the operating environment.

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a wireless endoscope featuringa flexible insertion tube in accordance with one embodiment. Thewireless endoscope is comprised of a wireless control head 404, acontrol body 406, and a flexible insertion tube 402. The endoscopecontrol body 406 features a biopsy port 414 and angulation knobs 412,which manipulate the distal end 410 of the flexible insertion tube 402.The wireless control head 404 attaches to the control body 406 via amechanical coupling that houses an electronic data/control interface 408(described in further detail in FIGS. 9 and 13). The data interfaceconnects to the optical system, which originates in the control body andextends to the distal end 410 of the flexible insertion tube 402. Thecontrol body 406 may include a light source (usually an LED), whichtransfers the light to the distal end 410 of the insertion tube via afiber optic light guide bundle. Alternatively, the light source may belocated in the distal end of the insertion tube and powered by thewireless control head 404 via the data/control interface 408.

FIG. 4B illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the distal endassembly 410 of a flexible insertion tube 402, indicated generally at450, that includes a channel for air and water 458, a water nozzle 460,an optical system 462, optional suction 454, and a biopsy channel 456.The distal end assembly 410 is enclosed with a cap 452 that works inconjunction with the insertion tube 402 to seal the endoscopeinstruments from fluids. As illustrated, the optical system comprises alight source and a camera combined into one lens system; however,alternative embodiments may separate the light source and camera acrossdifferent channels within the insertion tube.

In operation, the angulation knobs 412 manipulate the distal end 410 soas to direct the optical system. A light lens focuses light from thelight source onto a subject within the body. A camera lens then focusesthe light reflected from the illuminated subject onto an image sensor(e.g., a CCD, CMOS, NMOS, or PMOS image sensor) housed in the distal end410. The image sensor records the captured light as image or video dataand transmits it to the control head 404 via lead wires that run fromthe distal end 410 to the control body 406 and terminate at thedata/control interface 408. If fluids or other body matter obstruct theoptical system 462, a nozzle 460 can be used to direct air or water toclear the obstruction.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a wireless endoscope with a rigidinsertion tube, indicated generally at 500. The wireless endoscope 500is comprised of a control head 505, a control button 503, a rigidinsertion tube 502, and a sheath lock 506.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cutaway view of a flexible insertion tube,indicated generally at 600, which includes four angulation wires 612, awire for variable stiffness 612, various special purpose channels, anoptical system, and protective sheathing. The special purpose channelsinclude a water channel 606, air channel 608, biopsy/suction channel610, and water jet channel 618. The optical system includes sensor/lightpackage and signal, power, and ground wires 624. A light emitting diode(LED) or a laser diode (LD) light source (not shown) may be embedded inthe distal end of the insertion tube and powered by the optical systemwires 624. However, in some embodiments, the diode light source may bereplaced with a fiber optic light guide bundle that runs the length ofthe insertion tube and is illuminated by a light source contained withinthe control head or control body. The angulation wires 612 are arrangedin two sets of wire pairs that are oriented along an x- and y-axisrespectively. Inner 620 and outer 604 spiral metal bands are wound inopposite directions to help translate torque from the angulation wires612 along the long axis of the tube, as well as to protect the specialpurpose channels and optical system. A flexible stainless steel wiremesh 602, coated by a polymer outer layer 622, protects the spiral bandsand contents. The polymer outer layer 622 is made of a biomaterial thatseals the tube and its contents from liquids and features a smoothsurface in order to minimize trauma as the insertion tube passes throughthe body.

In operation, rotation of an angulation knob via the control bodyshortens or lengthens one wire of a wire pair with respect to the otherwire, thus causing the distal end of the flexible insertion tube to bendin a particular direction along the axis defined by the wire pair.

FIG. 7 illustrates a detachable wireless endoscope control headconnected to an endoscope control body via an interface in accordancewith one embodiment. The wireless endoscope system is indicatedgenerally at 700, and includes a wireless control head 704, an endoscopecontrol body 728, and an insertion tube 726. The endoscope control body728 is comprised of angulation knobs (720 and 732), an angulation lock722, a therapeutic instrument insertion port 724, and a control coupling702. The control head 704 is comprised of a control button 708, devicestatus indicators (710, 712, and 714), a speaker 706, a control dial716, and a control port 718 suitable for connection to the controlcoupling 702. Because the presence and configuration of angulation knobsand componentry vary for each type of endoscope, other embodiments mayfeature an endoscope control body that omits some of the above featuresor includes other features not listed herein.

The control button 708 is used to power the device on or off. Depressingthe control button for a preset period of time toggles the power state.In some embodiments, the control button may also control theillumination level of the specialized observation and illuminationoptical system (not pictured). Depressing the control button for apreset time period (different than the time period for power) cyclesthrough levels of magnification or demagnification for the opticalsystem. The method by which the control button powers on or powers offthe device control circuitry, or the method by which the control buttoncontrols the level of illumination of the specialized observation andillumination optical system, is programmable and can be customized.Alternative embodiments may include multiple buttons, toggles, slideswitches, touch screen controls, or programmable relays (i.e., a remotedevice that connects to and controls the device).

Device status indicators 710, 712, and 714 are visible on the controlhead 704. As depicted, the device status indicators are implementedusing light emitting diodes (LED) directly wired to the controlcircuitry. The device status indicators may change colors or flash onand off according to a predefined pattern in order to signal differentstates. However, in alternative embodiments, the device statusindicators may be implemented in hardware using an embedded programmabledisplay, via software by transmitting status events (e.g., a batterystatus event or network status event) to a wirelessly connected devicevia an API, or by any other visual, auditory, or tactile method ofalerting a user of a change in device status.

Some embodiments of the endoscope 728 may be connected to an air andwater source via the air/water insertion port 730. The control body 728may have an aeration/perfusion button (not shown), a suction buttonshown, angulation knobs (720 and 732), an angulation lock 722, and atherapeutic instrument insertion port 724. The aeration/perfusion buttonis pressed in order to instruct aeration or perfusion. The suctionbutton is pressed in order to suck fluid. The angulation knob ismanipulated in order to bend the bending section. The presence andconfiguration of angulation knobs and componentry vary for each type ofendoscope.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view showing a fully encapsulatedwireless endoscope control unit in accordance with one embodiment andindicated generally at 800. The wireless video endoscope 812 includes anelongated insertion tube 803 and a control body 802. The insertion tube803 is flexible (soft). The control body 802 is coupled to the proximalend of the insertion tube 803. The wireless control head 801 is extendedfrom the lateral part of the control body 803. The insertion tube 807has an anti-insertion tube breakage member 811, which is made of anelastic material, fixed to the proximal end thereof. The anti-insertiontube breakage member 811 prevents abrupt bend of a joint that is joinedto the control body 802.

The insertion tube 803 comprises a flexible tube 810, a bending section804, and a distal part 805. The flexible tube 810 is flexible and soft.The bending section 804 is fixed to the distal end of the flexible tube810 and can be bent remotely using the control body 802 and theangulation knobs 806. The distal part 905 is fixed to the distal end ofthe bending section 804. An observation optical and illumination opticalsystem (not shown) are incorporated in the distal part 807. Thisspecialized observation and illumination optical system 804 containscabling that runs the length of the insertion tube 803 and through thecontrol body 802, ultimately linking to control circuitry (described inmore detail in FIG. 13) in the wireless control head 801. Anaeration/perfusion nozzle, a suction port, and a fluid supply port arebored in the distal part 807. When a manipulation is made in order toaerate or perfuse the endoscope, cleaning fluid or gas is jet out to anoptical member located on the outer surface of the observation opticalsystem through the aeration/perfusion nozzle. The suction port is boredin the distal end of a therapeutic instrument passage channel runthrough the insertion tube 803. Fluid is jetted out to an object to beobserved through the fluid supply port. The therapeutic instrumentpassage channel is used to pass a therapeutic instrument into a bodycavity or suck fluid therefrom.

Some embodiments of the endoscope 812 may be connected to an air andwater source via the air/water insertion port 813. This allows for theusage of the aeration/perfusion button 808 and the suction button 809.The control body 802 has an aeration/perfusion button 808, a suctionbutton 809, an angulation knob 806, a wireless control head 801, aremote-control switch 814, and a therapeutic instrument insertion port807. The aeration/perfusion button 808 is pressed in order to instructaeration or perfusion. The suction button 809 is pressed in order tosuck fluid. The angulation knob 806 is manipulated in order to bend thebending section 804. The presence and configuration of angulation knobsand componentry vary for each type of endoscope. The remote-controlbutton 814 is used to power the wireless control head 801 and controlbrightness of the camera LEOs. The therapeutic instrument insertion port807 is an opening that opens onto the therapeutic instrument passagechannel.

In alternative embodiments, the control body 802 may also feature ahanging apparatus comprising a hook, looped hook, spring-loaded closablehook, ring, or any other suitable mechanism for suspending the endoscopefrom an overhang during operation or cleaning.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cutaway view of an exemplary wireless endoscopecontrol head in perspective for use in a fully-encapsulated wirelessendoscope control unit. The fully-encapsulated control unit, indicatedgenerally at 900, includes a control head 902 that contains controlcircuitry 920, control buttons (908 and 914), an optical systeminterface comprising a type-A interface connector 912 that is configuredto mate with a type-B interface connector 906, and a specially-designedlip 916 for hermetically sealing the control head 902 to the controlbody 904. The type-A and -B interface connectors can be implementedusing any mated electronic connectors that carry sufficient lines tosupport the optical system interface as described below. The type-Aconnector 912 connects to the control circuitry 920, and the type-Bconnector 906 serves as a terminal for the signal, power, and groundlines carried via the insertion tube 940 from the optical system locatedin the distal end. The control circuitry 920 and the optical systeminterface are shown in more detail in FIG. 13.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an image sensor circuit inaccordance with one embodiment, indicated generally at 1000. The imagesensor circuit 1000 includes an image array 1004, analog/digital signalprocessor 1007, analog/digital signal control 1008, clock/timinggenerator and control logic 1012, control register bank 1011, and aserial camera control bus (SCCB) interface 1010. A pattern is capturedon the light sensor array and stored in the image array 1004.

In operation, the image array 1004 is integrated row by row startingwith the upper left-hand pixel in the array 1004. When an integrationperiod begins, the timing generator and control logic circuit 1012 willreset all of the pixels in a row before progressing to the next row inthe array 1004. In embodiments featuring analog output, the controlcircuitry will transfer the integrated value of each pixel to acorrelated double sampling (CDS) circuit and then to a shift registerbank. After the shift register bank has been loaded, the pixelinformation will be serially shifted one pixel at a time to the analogvideo amplifier 1006. The gain of this amplifier 1006 is controlled bygain control 1005. In embodiments featuring a digital readout, the imagesensor features an analog-to-digital converter for every column, andconversion is conducted in parallel for each pixel in a row. Aflesh-tone balancing algorithm may be applied to the pixels at thisstage. After the gain and offset values are set in the video amplifier1006, the pixel information is then passed to the analog-to-digitalsignal processor 1007 where it is rendered into a digital signal 1009.Subsequently, the digital image data is further processed to removesensing defects.

Windowing may be implemented directly on the chip through the timing andcontrol circuit 1012, which enables any size window in any positionwithin the active region of the array to be accessed and displayed withone-to-one pixel resolution. Windowing can be used for on-chip controlof electronic pan, zoom, accelerated readout, and tilt operations on aselected portion or the entire image. In some embodiments, the imagesensor 1000 may include progressive and interlaced scan readout modes.In alternative embodiments, the image sensor 1000 may include otherauxiliary circuits that enable on-chip features such as imagestabilization and image compression.

The image sensor 1000 may be implemented using a CCD, CMOS, NMOS, PMOS,or other suitable sensor for use with producing digital video (e.g.,MPEG-4). The image sensor 1000 is connected to signal, power, and groundwires are long enough to connect the distal end of the insertion tubewith the optical system interface.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the wireless module of a controlcircuit of a wireless endoscope in accordance with one embodiment,indicated generally at 1100. The wireless module includes an antenna1103, a transmit/receive module 1102, a microprocessor 1105, a real-timeclock 1104, a CPU clock 1106, a power supply 1107, and a voltagereference for analog/digital conversion 1108. In some embodiments, themicroprocessor 1105 also includes a channel hopping mechanism that usesone or more channel discriminators 1109 to control the manner in whichthe wireless module hops among potentially available RF channels, so asto substantially reduce and optimally minimize the likelihood of RFinterference from other devices operating within the same band oradjacent bands.

The communication protocol of the wireless module 1100 may beimplemented using widely adopted consumer standards such as 802.11(Wi-Fi) and 802.15.1 (Bluetooth). In other embodiments, the wirelesscommunication protocol may be implemented using a custom protocol stack,including media access control (MAC) and a physical layer implementation(PHY). To protect sensitive patient data in flight, communication overthe wireless connection may be secured using channel or protocol levelencryption such as WEP, WPA, AES, or SSL. However, at-rest dataprotection may also be implemented by encrypting the operational data onchip and requiring connected devices to decrypt the data upon receipt.For video only operational data, the application layer protocol may beimplemented using popular consumer standards, such as the IP cameraprotocol. In other embodiments, the application layer may be implementedusing a proprietary protocol that incorporates other operational data,such as symbolic data (see FIGS. 16 and 17), and includes device or userauthentication.

FIG. 12 illustrates a system for transmitting operational data from anendoscopy procedure to a plurality of devices in accordance with oneembodiment. The system, indicated generally at 1200, includes a wirelessendoscope 1206, a patient 1202, a monitoring device 1210, operators(1208 and 1212), observers (1224 and 1228) with remote devices (1226 and1230), a network 1218, and a network relay 1214. As depicted, thepatient 1202 is a horse; however, a patient may be any human or animalthat is examined or operated on using an endoscope. Examples of suchoperations are provided below in Table 1. The monitoring device 1210 maybe implemented using a television, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, adesktop computer, a wearable device (e.g., a head-mounted display), orany computer system configured to communicate with the wirelessendoscope that is capable of presenting operational data to an operator.The network 1218 may be implemented using a local area network (LAN),wide area network (WAN), wireless personal area network (WPAN), meshnetwork, or any other suitable network topology for relaying data over adistance. The network relay may be implemented using a wireless router,a cellular router that connects to a local personal area network as wellas a cellular WAN, or any other network hardware or software that isconfigured to communicate with the wireless module of the endoscope 1206and relay data across the network 1218. The network relay 1214 isconnected to the network 1218 via a network connection 1216 by cellular,cable, fiber, telephone, satellite, or any other medium for transmittingdigital data over a distance. The remote location 1222 includes anyindoor or outdoor location that is beyond the effective radiotransmission range of the wireless endoscope 1206 because of distance,obstruction, or interference. The remote devices (1226 and 1230) maycomprise any combination of a television, a smart phone, a tablet, alaptop, a desktop computer, a wearable device (e.g., a head-mounteddisplay), or any computer system configured to communicate with thewireless endoscope that is capable of presenting operational data to anoperator.

In operation, a patient 1202 is examined or operated upon using thewireless endoscope 1206 by inserting a flexible or rigid insertion tube1204. The wireless endoscope 1206 transmits operational data toconnected monitoring devices (1208, 1210, 1226, and 1230). Remotedevices (1226 and 1230) are connected to the wireless endoscope 1206indirectly via the relay 1214 and the network 1218 via networkconnections (1216 and 1220).

Remote monitoring of an endoscopy procedure provides yet anotheradvantage of the many embodiments by enabling classrooms or seminars toparticipate in a live operation. This opens up new possibilities whereonly a passive review of prerecorded operations was previously possible.Clinical studies may be expanded beyond centralized operationalfacilities to remote sites, such as a battlefield, emergency clinic, oreven a barn. When coupled with the operational data sharing methoddiscussed in detail below, the remote networking capabilities enable newand useful telemedicine applications. For example, an experiencedphysician could oversee multiple concurrent off-site operationsconducted by junior physicians, and provide operational feedback throughhis monitoring device.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing control logic for a wirelessendoscope in accordance with one embodiment. The control logic,indicated generally at 1302, includes a wireless module 1310, a videoprocessor 1312, a microcontroller 1314, a battery 1316, a wirelesscharging receiver 1322, a memory 1318, and a voltage regulator 1320. Thewireless module 1310 (described in detail in FIG. 11) transmits andreceives operational data to and from monitoring devices. The imagesensor 1306 captures digital image data through a lens system embeddedin the distal tip of the endoscope insertion tube. The image sensor 1306may be implemented using a CCD, CMOS, or other image sensor as depictedin FIG. 10. The video processor 1312 captures image data from the imagesensor 1306, converts it into a video format, and applies anypost-capture image processing. The video processor 1312 compriseshardware or software logic for video encoding, image compression,stabilization, magnification, or any other post-capture digital signalprocessing (DSP). The microcontroller 1314 coordinates functionalitybetween the video processor 1312, the wireless module 1310, and thememory 1318. The microcontroller 1314 may be implemented using aprefabricated solution, such as an Arduino or TinyDuino board, or anyother integrated circuit comprising a processor core, memory, andprogrammable input/output peripherals. The battery 1316 is optimallylithium-ion (Li-Ion), but may be implemented using any rechargeablebattery technology that features a compact form factor relative to anendoscope control body. The wireless charging receiver 1322 featurescharging coils and an inductive charging circuit that may conform toindustry standards such as the Qi interface standard promulgated by theWireless Power Consortium. The memory 1318 provides a secondary cachebeyond what is available in the microcontroller 1314, and may beimplemented with any volatile memory technology, such as static randomaccess memory (SRAM) or dynamic random access memory (DRAM). In someembodiments, the memory 1318 may be implemented using a solid statedrive or flash memory so as to provide permanent storage capabilitieswhen the device is powered off. The voltage regulator 1320 providespower to the various components by stepping up or stepping down voltagefrom the battery 1316 as needed. In some embodiments, the voltage levelfor the light source 1308 may be much greater than what other logicboards or circuits can safely handle. Thus, the voltage regulator 1320may include a light source amplifier 1321 that can serve as a brightnessbooster to provide additional illumination capability to the opticalsystem.

The optical system interface 1304, which is housed in the control head(depicted in FIG. 9), connects the image sensor 1306 and the lightsource 1308 to control circuitry 1302 in the control head. The opticalsystem interface 1304 provides power to the image sensor 1306 and lightsource 1308. Data from the image sensor 1306 is relayed to the controllogic 1302 via the optical system interface 1304. The data portion ofthe optical system interface 1304 may be implemented using any number ofsignal and control lines depending on the optimal data bus width (likelydependent on image sensor size and frame rate needs).

In operation, a light lens at the distal end of the insertion tube emitsthe light onto a subject within the body. A camera lens then focuses thelight reflected from the illuminated subject onto an image sensor 1306housed in the distal end. The image sensor 1306 records the capturedlight as image or video data and transmits the data to the videoprocessor via the optical system interface 1304. The video processor1312 applies post-capture processing, such as stabilization ormagnification, to the raw data before compressing it using a codec, suchas H.264, MPEG-4, LZO, FFmpeg, or HuffYUV. The video processor 1312sends the processed data to the controller 1314, which may buffer it inthe memory 1318. The controller 1314 forwards the processed data to thewireless module 1310 for transmission to connected devices. In someembodiments, the memory 1318 may be implemented using a shared memorydirectly connected to the various components.

In addition to the many advantages, a fully portable endoscopy systempresents new challenges, such as device power and transportation. Aconventional system, as illustrated in FIG. 1, could be easily poweredby plugging the monitoring equipment directly into an electrical socket.Transporting such a conventional system was limited because the systemwas only portable to the extent that the monitoring equipment could bewheeled from one room to another. In contrast, a truly portableendoscope enables off-site operation, the success of which is predicatedon safe and efficient transportation of sensitive medical equipment.

Consequently, a system is presented for stowing and charging a wirelessendoscope in accordance with the many embodiments. FIGS. 14A and 14Billustrate perspective views of an exemplary carrying case, in openedand closed configurations, for stowing and charging a wireless endoscopysystem. FIG. 14A illustrates an opened carrying-case, indicatedgenerally at 1400, that includes an outer shell 1410, moldedforce-dampening material 1402, an inductive charging plate 1422, andpower management circuitry 1415. The outer shell 1410 may be formed ofany suitably light-weight, rigid, durable material, such as aluminum,ceramic, plastic, or resin, that has adequate tensile, flexural, andcompressive strength to withstand sudden impacts of 1000 N or more. Theforce-dampening material 1402 absorbs and dissipates sudden impactforces applied to the outer shell 1410. The force-dampening material1402 is optimally comprised of flame retardant polyurethane foam, moldedwith recesses or cavities to match the contours of a wireless endoscope.However, the force-dampening material 1402 may be formed using anysuitable material that dissipates force away from the stowed device andis not highly flammable. A high-frequency inductive power transmissionpad 1422, comprising ultra-thin transmission coils, is nested within theportion of the force-dampening material 1402 that receives the controlhead and control body of the wireless endoscope. The power managementcircuitry 1415, when connected to a power source, manages charging ofthe wireless endoscope by monitoring temperature, charging duration, anddevice battery level. The power management circuitry is connected to thepower transmission pad 1422 via control and power lines 1420. If thetemperature in the case reaches an unsafe operating level (e.g., greaterthan 50 degrees Celsius), the power management circuitry 1415 isdesigned to disable inductive charging. In some embodiments, the outershell may contain ventilation ducts 1465 that allow air to flow throughthe case. In other embodiments, the recess in the force dampeningmaterial 1422 for the endoscope control unit may be lined withconductive sheets (designed to maximize surface area) connected to alarge conductive surface area on the exterior of the case for conductingheat away from the interior of the case.

FIG. 14B illustrates a closed carrying case in accordance with oneembodiment, indicated generally at 1450, that includes a charging cable1460, battery level or charging status indicators 1470, stacking guides1480, ventilation ducts 1465, and electrodes 1490 and 1492. The chargingcable 1460 is designed to be plugged into a 120-240V wall outlet;however, some embodiments may feature a swappable cable that can bepowered by a 12V outlet commonly found in vehicles. The battery levelindicators 1470 may be implemented using LEDs, which are illuminatedwhen the device is charged, charging, or dead, or which estimate currentdevice battery levels according to the number of LEDs illuminated.Alternatively, the battery level indicators 1470 may be implementedusing an LCD or LED display or other suitable mechanism for displayingstatus information.

In some embodiments, the power management circuitry 1415 may include aradio unit to monitor battery level status and charging notificationsbroadcast from the wireless module of the endoscope according to aproprietary protocol operating in frequency bands allocated for consumerelectronics (e.g., the “S” band). Changes in battery level or chargingstate are reflected on the outside of the case via battery level orcharging status indicators 1470.

In other embodiments, the carrying case may be stacked with othercarrying cases. Stacking guides 1480 are comprised of a pattern ofprotrusions on the top of the case, matched with corresponding recesseson the bottom of the case. The stacking guides 1480 may be designed asparallel linear ridges as depicted in FIG. 14B, or as other patternssuch as a cross or L-shapes. When two or more cases are laid flat andstacked vertically, the stacking guides 1480 should prevent the casesfrom becoming easily decoupled by application of a horizontal force.Alternatively, the ridges and recesses of the stacking guides 1480 mayform an interlocking pattern (e.g., interlocking trapezoidal ridges),such that one case may be attached to another by sliding the recesses ofone case along the interlocking ridges of the other.

In alternative embodiments, the outer shell 1410 may feature conductivepads, an anode 1490 and a cathode 1492, which when connected to a secondcase, form a charging network. The anode 1490 and cathode 1492 areconnected to the power management control circuitry 1415. When thecharging cable 1460 provides power to the first case, and the anode 1490and cathode 1492 provide power to the second case. The orientation andsize of the conductive pads should be designed in such a way so as toavoid accidental electrical shock when several cases are being charged.

FIGS. 15A, 15B, and 15C show several views illustrating the wirelesstransmission of operational data to a variety of devices, indicatedgenerally at 1500. FIG. 15A illustrates a perspective view of a wirelessendoscope 1564 transmitting operational data, over a wireless connection1566, gathered via a flexible insertion tube 1562. FIG. 15B illustratesa cross-sectional view of the distal end 1536 of the flexible insertiontube 1562 inserted within a body cavity 1532. The distal end 1536captures operational data and transmits the data feed over the wirelessconnection 1566 to connected devices, such as a smart device 1510 or ahead-mounted display 1504. FIG. 15C illustrates a two-dimensional viewof operational video data 1502, streamed from the wireless endoscope1564, and viewable on the various connected devices. A smart device,such as a phone or tablet, can display the operational video data 1502via an embedded high-resolution display. In contrast, a head-mounteddisplay 1504 projects high-resolution images directly into theoperator's retina via a lens 1508.

FIG. 16 is a data flow diagram illustrating a method of sharingoperational data sharing across multiple devices, indicated generally at1600, that comprises a first 1608 and a second device 1610 wirelesslyconnected to a wireless endoscope 1612. A device may be a smart phone1602, a tablet, a laptop, a desktop computer 1622, a wearable device1630 (e.g., a head-mounted display), or any computer system configuredto communicate with the wireless endoscope 1612 that is capable ofpresenting operational data to an operator.

The method 1600 begins with a wireless endoscope 1612 establishing awireless connection with at least two devices. The sensor package of thewireless endoscope 1612 then begins to gather operational data. In someembodiments, this may consist of a high-resolution video feed capturedby the optical system. In other embodiments, operational data maycomprise stereoscopic video (for use with a 3D display), thermalimaging, or multichannel intraluminal impedance (pH monitoring). Thewireless endoscope 1612 simultaneously broadcasts the operational datato the several connected devices. To ensure adequate medical privacy,the operational data is encrypted, or is transmitted over encryptedchannels. During the operation, an observer using a first device 1608 ofthe several connected devices creates a symbol 1604 on the first device1608 in response to operational data presented to the observer. A symbolmay be any digital image, video, audio, text, or structured data. Forexample, an operator could create a symbol 1604 by drawing a figure on atouch screen device 1602. Or, an operator could create a symbol byrecording video or audio commentary to be streamed alongside otheroperational data. Such a use has particular application in telemedicineor education and may make use of a network relay as depicted in FIG. 12.The symbol 1604 is then transmitted to a second device 1610 from theseveral connected devices via the wireless endoscope 1612. The symbol1604 is then presented to the operator of the second device 1610alongside other operational data.

In alternative embodiments, an operator may be a remote computer systemthat transmits a symbol 1604, comprising previously recorded operationaldata, to be presented and compared alongside current operational data.Of course, transmission of the symbol 1604 may be shared among connecteddevices without routing operational data through the wireless endoscope1612.

In some alternative embodiments, the selection of common commercialstandards effectively transforms the wireless endoscope 1612 into amedical device platform that enables a wide array of customizableviewing options while greatly reducing equipment costs. For example,wireless connectivity may be implemented using widely adopted consumerstandards such as 802.11 (Wi-Fi) and 802.15.1 (Bluetooth) to enablenon-proprietary, commercially available consumer devices, such as GoogleGlass (R) or Oculus Rift (R), to be connected to the wireless endoscope1612. Head-mounted displays enable a physician operator to view two- orthree-dimensional video data while keeping both hands free to operatethe endoscope. Two-dimensional video data may be streamed over thewireless connection using popular protocols like internet protocolcamera (IP camera). These commercial devices, which are not marketed formedical purposes, have the additional advantage of being much lesscostly than typical medical imaging devices that are subjected toextensive FDA review.

FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram illustrating a method of sharingoperational data across multiple devices, indicated generally at 1700.The method begins at step 1708, in which a first device 1702 establishesa wireless connection with a wireless endoscope 1704. Next, a seconddevice 1706 connects to the wireless endoscope 1704 at step 1720. Thelifelines 1714, 1718, and 1726 for the data sharing operation extenduntil the connection closes. In step 1710, the first device 1702receives video data from the wireless endoscope 1704. The wirelessendoscope also transmits video data in parallel to the second device1706 at step 1722.

In step 1712, an operator creates a symbol on the first device 1702,which is then transmitted to the wireless endoscope 1704 in step 1716over the wireless connection. Then, in step 1724, the wireless endoscope1704 forwards the symbol to the second device 1706 over a wirelessconnection. Finally, at step 1728, the second device 1706 displays thetransmitted symbol alongside the video data.

While the data sharing of 1700 is represented as occurring in sequence,operational data, including video and symbol data, may be continuouslybroadcast over data packets that are not guaranteed to arrive in order.Subsequent software- or hardware-based processing on the connecteddevices may reorder the packets according to the proper time sequence,and correlate presentation of the data so it appears synchronously.Because operational data must be presented in real-time, lost orsignificantly delayed packets may be dropped altogether, resulting inreduced frame rate or signal quality degradation.

FIGS. 18A and 18B show several views illustrating the distal end of anoptical system in accordance with one embodiment. FIG. 18A shows aplanar view of the distal end of an exemplary optical system. Theoptical system includes an aperture 1810 within a diaphragm 1806 that isencircled by one or more light emitters 1802 surrounded by lightshielding material 1804. The light emitters 1802 may be comprised oflight emitting diodes (LED), laser diodes (LD), infrared emitting diodes(IRED), fiber optic light guides, or any suitable compact light sourcethat can be embedded within an endoscope insertion tube. A lens system(illustrated in FIG. 18B) seals the optical system from fluids. Becausesome of the light emitted from the light emitters 1802 will reflect offof the lens system, light shielding material 1804 is used to insulatethe image sensor (not shown), nested within the aperture 1810, fromoverexposure. The light shielding material 1804 may be putty, plastic,tape, or any suitable material for preventing light from reflecting offof the lens system into the aperture 1810.

In alternative embodiments, the outer area of the lens system thatcovers the light emitters 1802 may be polarized differently than theinner area of the lens system to help reduce reflective interference.

FIG. 18B shows a side view of an exemplary optical system, indicatedgenerally at 1850, that includes a lens system 1860, light emitters1802, light shielding material 1804, an image sensor 1854, and a sensorchamber 1856. Light emitted from the optical system 1850 reflects off ofthe subject under observation to form an image (illustrated as lightrays 1852). The light rays 1852 are focused by the lens system 1860through the aperture 1810 onto the image sensor 1854.

Capabilities of the present invention extend, but are not limited, tosuch devices as bronchoscopes (examination of air passages and thelungs), colonoscopies (colon), gastroscopes (small intestine, stomach,and esophagus), arthroscopes (joints), hysteroscopes (uterus), andcystoscopes (urinary tract and bladder). Table 1, below, furtherillustrates some of the procedures that may be conducted using one ormore of the foregoing embodiments.

TABLE 1 Procedure Description Arthroscopy Examination of the jointsBronchoscopy Examination of the air passages and the lungs ColonoscopyExamination of the colon Colposcopy Examination of the cervix and thetissues of the vagina and vulva Cystoscopy Examination of the urinarybladder EGO (Esophageal Examination of the esophagus, stomach,Gastroduodenoscopy) and duodenum ERCP (endoscopic Examination of theliver, gallbladder, bile retrograde cholangio- ducts, and pancreaspancreatography) Fetoscopy Examination of the fetus LaparoscopyExamination of the abdominal cavity via small incision LaryngoscopyExamination of the back of the throat, including the voice box (larynx)and vocal cords Proctoscopy Examination of the rectum and the end of thecolon Rhinoscopy Examination of the inside of the nose ThoracoscopyExamination of the lungs or other structures in the chest cavityHysteroscopy Examination of the uterus Cystoscopy Examination of theurinary tract and bladder

While various embodiments in accordance with the principles disclosedherein have been described above, it should be understood that they havebeen presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, thebreadth and scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any of theabove-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only inaccordance with any claims and their equivalents issuing from thisdisclosure. Furthermore, the above advantages and features are providedin described embodiments, but shall not limit the application of suchissued claims to processes and structures accomplishing any or all ofthe above advantages.

Additionally, the section headings herein are provided for consistencywith the suggestions under 37 C.F.R. 1.77 or otherwise to provideorganizational cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize theinvention(s) set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure.Specifically and by way of example, a description of a technology in the“Background of the Invention” is not to be construed as an admissionthat certain technology is prior art to any embodiment(s) in thisdisclosure. Neither is the “Summary of the Invention” to be consideredas a characterization of the embodiment(s) set forth in issued claims.Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to “invention” in thesingular should not be used to argue that there is only a single pointof novelty in this disclosure. Multiple embodiments may be set forthaccording to the limitations of the multiple claims issuing from thisdisclosure, and such claims accordingly define the embodiment(s), andtheir equivalents, that are protected thereby. In all instances, thescope of such claims shall be considered on their own merits in light ofthis disclosure, but should not be constrained by the headings set forthherein.

In light of the foregoing disclosure, I claim:
 1. A system forwirelessly transmitting data from an endoscope, the system comprising:the endoscope having a control body and an insertion tube extending fromthe control body; an image sensor located at the distal end of theinsertion tube; a light source located at the distal end of theinsertion tube; and a control head connected to the control body,having: a battery; a light source amplifier connected to the battery,the light source amplifier operable to boost the intensity of the lightsource; a video processor configured to create video data from a videostream captured via the image sensor; and a wireless communicationmodule configured to negotiate a wireless connection with a mobiledevice, wherein the wireless communication module is further configuredto transmit the video data to the mobile device over the wirelessconnection, and wherein the wireless communication module comprises achannel discriminator that controls the manner in which the wirelesscommunication module hops among available RF channels to reduce RFinterference; wherein the wireless communication module is configured toreceive a symbol created on the mobile device based on the video datareceived from the wireless communication module, and wherein thewireless communication module is configured to wirelessly transmit thesymbol and the video data over the wireless connection to a seconddevice.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless communicationmodule is further configured to negotiate a second wireless connectionwith the second device and to simultaneously transmit the video data tothe second device over the second wireless connection.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the wireless communication is configured to broadcastthe video data to at least two wireless mobile devices.
 4. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising a relay configured to wirelessly connect tothe wireless communication module and to forward the video data over anetwork.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein data transmitted over thewireless connection is encrypted.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein themobile device comprises a touch screen.
 7. The system of claim 1,wherein the mobile device is a wearable device.
 8. The system of claim1, further comprising a power management module configured to monitorthe charge level of the battery, wherein the power management module isfurther configured to broadcast the charge level of the battery via thewireless communication module.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein thecontrol head further comprises a light source illumination levelcontroller.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the control head furthercomprises a battery level indicator.
 11. The system of claim 1, whereinthe control head further comprises a network connection indicator. 12.The system of claim 1, wherein the insertion tube is flexible.
 13. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the insertion tube is rigid.
 14. The systemof claim 1, further comprising a hanging apparatus coupled to thesystem.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the control head is coupledwith the control body to form a hermetic seal.
 16. The system of claim1, wherein the battery is inductively charged.
 17. The system of claim1, wherein the control head is contained in a separate enclosure and isattached to the control body via an interface.
 18. The system of claim1, wherein the control head is directly and rigidly connected to thecontrol body.
 19. The system of claim 1, wherein the second device isconfigured to display the received symbol alongside the video data.